Extensive Schedule Changes and Delays Due to Major Construction Works on the Essen-Dortmund Line
Essen-Dortmund Line Closure
From February 28 to April 25, 2023, the Essen-Dortmund main line will be closed for extensive construction works, resulting in major schedule changes, diversions, and delays for passengers.
Bochum Hauptbahnhof Unaffected
During the eight-week closure, Bochum Hauptbahnhof (Hbf) will not be served by any trains. Extensive measures and preparations have been made for both long-distance and regional traffic.
Reduced Service Stations
Deutsche Bahn (DB) has designated the following stations as "stops with reduced train service":
- Düsseldorf Flughafen
- Dortmund Hbf
- Essen Hbf
- Duisburg Hbf
Long-distance trains will primarily be diverted between Essen and Dortmund, Essen and Münster, and Cologne/Düsseldorf and Dortmund. Expect travel times to increase by up to 20 minutes, and anticipate changes in arrival and departure times.
Specific Line Changes
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RE 1 (RRX, NationalExpress): Trains will be diverted between Dortmund Hbf and Essen Hbf with an additional stop in Herne. Bochum Hbf and Wattenscheid will not be served; passengers can use the U35 subway line as an alternative.
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RE 6 (RRX, NationalExpress): Trains will not run between Essen Hbf and Dortmund Hbf. Trains from Düsseldorf will terminate in Essen Hbf, skipping Mülheim an der Ruhr. Trains from Minden will terminate in Dortmund Hbf.
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RE 11 (RRX, NationalExpress): Trains will not stop between Duisburg Hbf and Dortmund Hbf. Trains from Düsseldorf will end in Oberhausen Hbf, while those from Kassel-Wilhelmshöhe will terminate in Dortmund Hbf.
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Other lines affected include RE 16 between Essen Hbf and Hagen Hbf, RB 40 between Essen Hbf and Witten Hbf, and lines RE 41 and RB 46 between Bochum West and Bochum Hbf.
Replacement Bus Services
Replacement buses will operate on all affected routes.
Scope of Works
During this major construction project, the largest of its kind in the Ruhr region this year, tracks and switches will be replaced between Dortmund and Essen. Initial works for the extension of the RRX (Rhine-Ruhr Express) network to Bochum will also commence. Bochum Hauptbahnhof will receive an additional platform. DB reports that unexploded ordnance clearance will also be necessary.
Investment and Modernization
Over €30 million is being invested in these modernizations, which will significantly improve the rail infrastructure in the region.
